Paintings Conservation
and Restoration

Services for Old Master, Modern and Contemporary Art

Preserving Treasured Works with Care

Adopting a sensitive and critical approach, I practice minimal intervention to conserve and restore paintings, striving to restore their balance and integrity.

I undertake projects for museums, galleries, and auction houses, as well as private collectors.

About me

I am an experienced paintings conservator specializing in the conservation and restoration of modern, contemporary, and old master artworks.

After my degree in Fine Art at Joshibi University of Art and Design in Japan, I studied conservation and restoration of canvas and panel paintings at UIA (Università Internaionale dell'arte) Florence, Italy, obtaining the diploma in 2000, following which I completed a two-year internship at OPD (Opificio Delle Pietre Dure) in the same city.

In 2003 I founded Rosso d'Uovo, a painting conservation studio in Treviso, Italy.
I later relocated to London in 2008 and subsequently to Zürich in 2023, where I am continuing my freelance conservator career for over twenty years.

I am an Accredited Member of the Institute of Conservation.
I am also a member of the British Association of Paintings Conservators and Restorers and an ICOM member.

Services

I offer a wide range of painting conservation and restoration services, with a focus on minimal intervention and reversibility.
For complex procedures such as lining, panel work, and frame conservation, I partner with experienced subcontractors whom I trust.
My approach is informed by ethical codes of professional associations, of which I am a member.

CONDITION REPORTS
Before starting any treatment, the conservator must evaluate the painting's condition and document any damage or deterioration, such as cracks, flaking, discoloration, or insect damage. This report helps in understanding the painting's history and provides a reference point for future conservation efforts.

CLEANING
Over time, paintings can accumulate dirt, dust, and grime, which can alter their original appearance and compromise its longevity. Cleaning involves removing the surface grime and dirt without damaging the paint layer beneath.

VARNISH REMOVAL
Varnish, which is applied to protect and make it uniform the painting's surface, can discolour and degrade over time, affecting the artwork's color and texture. The conservator must remove the varnish layer carefully to restore the painting's original appearance.

OVERPAINT REMOVAL
Sometimes, previous restorations can result in overpainting, where the restorer has painted over the original artwork, hiding the artist's original work. Removing overpainting requires careful analysis and is done with caution to reveal the painting's original composition.

CONSOLIDATION
Sometimes, the paint layer can become loose or flaky, indicating a weakened painting structure. Consolidation involves securing the paint layer to the support structure using adhesives or consolidants.

STRUCTURAL REPAIR
If the painting's support structure is damaged, such as a cracked or warped panel, the conservator must undertake structural repairs to stabilize the painting's overall structure. This process can involve replacing or repairing the support structure or adding additional support to prevent further damage.

FRAME CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION
Collaboration with relevant professionals, such as scientists, frame conservators, or transport couriers, is necessary to ensure the safe and effective restoration of the painting.

TEAR MENDING
Tears or holes in the canvas or support structure of the painting can weaken the artwork's overall structure. The conservator can mend these tears using various techniques, such as patching or reweaving, to restore the painting's integrity.

RETOUCHING
Areas of the painting that have suffered paint loss or abrasion can be retouched by the conservator to recreate the original color and texture.

TRANSPORT COURIERS
I oversee the packaging of the artwork, handling it with great care to prevent any damage, using specialised vehicles for transportation, keeping detailed records of the artwork's transportation, and communicating regularly with the the client to keep them informed.

Paintings Conservation and Restoration

Preserving Treasured Works with Care

About me

Services

CLEANINGOver time, paintings can accumulate dirt, dust, and grime, which can alter their original appearance and compromise its longevity. Cleaning involves removing the surface grime and dirt without damaging the paint layer beneath.

VARNISH REMOVALVarnish, which is applied to protect and make it uniform the painting's surface, can discolour and degrade over time, affecting the artwork's color and texture. The conservator must remove the varnish layer carefully to restore the painting's original appearance.

OVERPAINT REMOVALSometimes, previous restorations can result in overpainting, where the restorer has painted over the original artwork, hiding the artist's original work. Removing overpainting requires careful analysis and is done with caution to reveal the painting's original composition.

CONSOLIDATIONSometimes, the paint layer can become loose or flaky, indicating a weakened painting structure. Consolidation involves securing the paint layer to the support structure using adhesives or consolidants.

FRAME CONSERVATION AND RESTORATIONCollaboration with relevant professionals, such as scientists, frame conservators, or transport couriers, is necessary to ensure the safe and effective restoration of the painting.

TEAR MENDINGTears or holes in the canvas or support structure of the painting can weaken the artwork's overall structure. The conservator can mend these tears using various techniques, such as patching or reweaving, to restore the painting's integrity.

RETOUCHINGAreas of the painting that have suffered paint loss or abrasion can be retouched by the conservator to recreate the original color and texture.

TRANSPORT COURIERSI oversee the packaging of the artwork, handling it with great care to prevent any damage, using specialised vehicles for transportation, keeping detailed records of the artwork's transportation, and communicating regularly with the the client to keep them informed.

Nao Ikeda Conservation